Friday, August 24, 2007

I was reading a story the other day about the recent conclusion of the scientific experiment to replicate living on Mars. This group of scientists just completed 4 months living in a 'replica' space habitat, conducting experiments, learning how to live with each other in cramped quarters etc. They were studying stuff (permafrost and global warming) but that is not my Slingshot Thought.

The ST is:Why is this experiment even being done? We have years and years of information related to a mass of people living in an isolated and cramped environment. Its called a SUBMARINE.This idea then sprung forth a solution, perhaps, of getting humans to Mars. NASA is caught up in using pilots and air force personnel. Why not look to the Navy and use sub-mariners. They are trained and acclimated to life in a small vessel with a large task load.

According to a web site I found:" The living conditions on board a submarine are extreme, to be sure. For example: 110 men must share two showers, four toilets, one urinal....Personal space is limited to the bunk, which measures six feet by two feet, for a total of 12 square feet. In contrast, the prisoners at Warden Penitentiary in Washington, D.C., are allowed 90 square feet of personal living space."

So there you have it. What would appear to be an example of scientists not thinking through a solution to a problem then plow ahead with re-inventing the wheel.